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Elder Abuse
When a person age 60 and over is the victim of domestic violence, we call it "domestic violence in late life" or "elder domestic violence." Abusers use many tactics to control their victims. These tactics can include hitting, kicking, controlling an elder’s money, not providing food and other necessities, sexually abusing an elder, as well as constant belittling or threats, to name some.

Domestic violence in late life is not caused by caregiver stress or ignorance. Domestic violence comes from the abuser’s belief system that it is acceptable to get what they want or need by whatever means are necessary, including hurting or threatening the other person.

How Big A Problem Is It?
Researchers estimate that about 5% of the senior population or 1 million seniors are victims of domestic violence in late life. Because it’s so hard for people to talk about, the actual number of cases may be much higher. It is believed that for every case reported, there are 14 that are not reported. In Cuyahoga County alone, it is estimated that 8,000 women are victims of domestic violence in late life. Older females are the most likely victims of domestic violence in late life, but there are an increasing number of men who are victims. Adult children are the abusers in approximately 47% of the cases.* Spouses are the abusers in approximately 19% of the cases.*

*(Statistics from The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study; Final Report, September 1998)

Why Does It Happen?
Sometimes domestic violence in late life is “spouse abuse grown old,” The abuse continues as it did in the past.

Some factors that contribute to domestic violence in late life include:

Health changes that make the victim more dependent on family members for care
Lack of support from other family and friends
Retirement that results in the abuser and victim spending more time together
Disbelief or shame on the part of the victim, especially if the abuser is their adult child
The victim’s fear that life could be worse without the abuser, e.g. they would be placed in a nursing home

Red Flags for Domestic Violence in Late Life
Domestic violence late in life can be hard to detect. Generally neither the victim nor the abuser is likely to tell about it. That is why it is important to recognize some of the “red flags” that may indicate domestic violence. Some of these could be signs and symptoms of other problems, but do not rule out domestic violence.

Frequent unexplained crying;
Fear or suspicion of someone in the home;

Physical Abuse (includes physical assaults, over or under medicating and unnecessary restraint)

multiple bruises, welts, cuts, grip marks, burns or swelling and tenderness.
bruises or marks of different colors
frequent trips to the hospital emergency room to have injuries treated
hair pulled out
always sleepy. (could be caused by over-medication)
always in pain (may be caused by under-medication)
tied to a chair or kept in bed unnecessarily

Sexual Abuse (any sexual activity that is done without the other’s consent. This includes penetration, oral sex, fondling, watching for sexual purposes, or showing oneself for sexual purposes).

trouble or pain going to the bathroom
hurtful sexual contact or sexual contact by an adult child
red, irritated or bruised genitals
bruises or other marks on breasts or genitals

Emotional Abuse (includes threats, humiliation, being kept away from family and friends, taking away decision-making power, being forced to be around others when the person does not want to be.

Being isolated from family and friends
Being put down or threatened by a family member
Lock on the bedroom door indicating isolation.

Financial Abuse (misuse of another’s money)

Bank statements or other legal documents showing unusual bank activity.
living far below means and lacking basic necessities.
complains that money is missing.

Neglect (failure to provide necessities)

inappropriate clothing (wearing several layers of clothes in the Summer or wearing too few clothes in the Winter)
lacking groceries or other basic necessities
Locks on food cabinets, possibly indicating withholding of food
needing glasses, hearing aids, dentures, etc., that are not being provided.